Netflix’s introduction of an ad-supported plan has stirred up curiosity, questions, and, yes—some controversy.
As someone who enjoys binge-watching dramas and documentaries while balancing a busy life, I took the plunge to try it myself. 넷플릭스 광고형 요금제 후기
This post is a deep dive into what the Netflix ad-supported plan is really like, based on my personal experience over several weeks.
It includes everything from the good to the frustrating, and everything in between.
If you’re wondering whether it’s worth saving a few bucks in exchange for a few ads, keep reading.
You’re about to find out if this budget-friendly plan really delivers—or if it’s better to skip it altogether.
What Is the Netflix Ad-Supported Plan? 윤과장의 소소한 일상 이야기
Netflix launched its ad-supported tier as a more affordable subscription option.
It’s officially called the “Standard with Ads” plan, and it’s the cheapest Netflix offering available in most countries right now.
The idea is simple: you pay less, but you watch with ads.
At first glance, it seems like a win-win.
You get access to most of Netflix’s content library, and Netflix gets to earn through advertising.
But, as with everything, the devil is in the details.
How Much Does It Actually Cost?
In the U.S., the ad-supported plan is currently priced at $6.99 per month.
That’s nearly half the price of the standard ad-free plan, which sits at $15.49.
If you’re not watching Netflix daily, or you’re sharing subscriptions with family across other platforms, this pricing can be attractive.
But don’t forget, the lower price comes with trade-offs.
I’ll break those down throughout this review.
How Frequent Are the Ads?
This was the biggest question I had before subscribing.
And let me tell you—it’s noticeable, but not unbearable.
Each ad break is roughly 15 to 60 seconds long, with a mix of 15- and 30-second spots.
Typically, you’ll see 4 to 5 minutes of ads per hour of content.
It feels a lot like watching regular cable TV again, just more streamlined and less chaotic.
Ad frequency may vary depending on what you watch.
For example, some dramas had fewer ad interruptions than reality shows or popular titles.
Where Do the Ads Appear?
Ads play before a show starts and during certain break points in episodes or films.
Interestingly, not every show is interrupted in the same way.
Some episodes have 2 ad breaks; others may have 3 or 4.
For movies, the experience is more curated.
There’s usually an ad upfront, and then one or two breaks depending on the movie’s length.
Thankfully, ads don’t pop up in the middle of emotional climaxes or cliffhangers—at least not yet.
It seems like Netflix is trying to be mindful about placement, which I appreciated.
Is the Video Quality Affected?
The ad-supported plan streams in 1080p HD.
This is a major improvement compared to the old basic plan, which only supported 720p.
I streamed on my smart TV, tablet, and phone—and the quality held up surprisingly well across all devices.
There were no annoying delays or resolution drops.
Even during peak hours, the performance was steady.
Can You Download for Offline Viewing?
Unfortunately, no.
This is one of the biggest drawbacks of the ad-supported plan.
Offline downloads are not available, which means if you’re someone who watches on the subway, plane, or areas with bad Wi-Fi, this may be a deal-breaker.
That limitation alone might make the higher-tier plans worth it for some people.
For me, it was a minor inconvenience—I mostly stream at home.
Are There Any Content Restrictions?
Yes, and this was a surprise.
Not all shows and movies are available on the ad-supported plan.
Due to licensing agreements, some titles are locked behind the standard or premium plans.
I ran into this issue when trying to rewatch “House of Cards” and a few other older exclusives.
A small lock icon appeared next to the title, signaling that I’d need to upgrade.
It wasn’t a huge list of unavailable titles, but it was noticeable.
That said, 90–95% of Netflix’s current catalog is accessible.
How Intrusive Are the Ads Themselves?
The ads are not personalized by name, but they are fairly targeted based on viewing history and genre.
So if you’re watching a crime thriller, expect ads from crime podcasts or suspenseful games.
They were not overly loud or flashy, which I appreciated.
Still, if you’re used to ad-free streaming, any interruption can feel jarring at first.
However, after a few sessions, I found myself adapting faster than expected.
Can You Skip the Ads?
No, unfortunately not.
There’s no “skip” button like you’d find on YouTube.
Once the ad starts, you have to sit through it.
But compared to traditional TV, where ad breaks can be 5 to 7 minutes long, Netflix still feels leaner.
It’s the kind of thing you get used to—just like how we once got used to ads on Hulu.
Who Is This Plan Really For?
I’d say it’s best for casual watchers who want access to Netflix’s vast library without paying full price.
If you only stream a few nights a week, or if you’re budget-conscious, this plan can make sense.
It’s also ideal for students or people who already subscribe to multiple other platforms and want to keep costs down.
However, if you’re an avid binge-watcher or hate interruptions, this probably isn’t the plan for you.
How Does It Compare to Other Platforms?
Compared to Hulu’s ad-supported plan, Netflix’s ad experience feels more refined.
The interface is smoother, the transitions are less jarring, and the content is more consistent.
Peacock and HBO Max also offer ad-supported tiers, but each comes with its own quirks.
Netflix’s edge lies in its familiarity and original content—which still feels premium, even with ads.
Any Technical Issues?
I didn’t experience any glitches or playback errors during my trial.
The interface was just as intuitive and clean as with the premium plan.
Ads loaded smoothly and didn’t buffer or crash the app.
One minor annoyance was that you can’t rewind to skip past ads.
If you try, it replays the ad segment again.
Final Thoughts: Is It Worth Switching?
If you’re looking to save money and don’t mind a few commercial breaks, Netflix’s ad-supported plan is a smart compromise.
You get access to a rich content library, solid streaming quality, and an interface that feels just as premium.
Yes, there are some restrictions.
No downloads, occasional locked titles, and of course, the ads themselves.
But for $6.99 a month?
It feels like a reasonable trade-off.
Especially in a world where every streaming bill adds up quickly.
I’d recommend trying it out for a month.
You might be surprised at how little the ads affect your viewing—and how much your wallet thanks you.